it was seen more as a political message ahead of an election rather than a genuine push for change here. the thing is, now the administration thinks they may be able to accomplish something. >> in 2011, president obama went to the border town in el paso to push for comprehensive immigration reform. >> out of many, one. we define ourselves as a nation of imgrants. >> reporter: that went no where now in a second term, the president is trying it again. heading to las vegas today to push for border security, a verification system for employers to ensure they hire documented workers, with punishment if they don't. and the most significant and controversial part of the plan, a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including registering with the government, undergoing background checks, paying taxes and a penalty, and learning english. a solution has alluded past presidents, including george w. bush. >> congress' failure to act is a disappointment. >> reporter: president obama said that some undocumented young immigrants would stop. but he was taken to task at a town hall for not